An Unusual and very attractive American Percussion Half-Stock Rifle, C. BAKER

#126

A Good and Very Attractive Antique American Percussion Half-Stock Rifle, made by "C. BAKER", circa. 1835-1850's.  34", .41 caliber rifled octagon-to-round very heavy iron barrel with patent breech (unsigned) with under-rib, forward and rear sights including a circular "peep" sight.  The lock is signed "C. BAKER" with simple decorative engraving.  Set triggers.  All brass furniture includes a butt plate and trigger guard.  The half-stock is solid with (26) decorative silver inlays including a Deer located on the left side raised cheek section and has a decorative pewter fore-end cap.  The stock exhibits an old restoration to the rear section located just above the rear of the lock.  The stock overall has minor losses along the upper edges of the fore-end with scratches and dings from years of service.  The lock is in good mechanical working order.  The wood ram rod appears to be the original with brass tip and brass section concealing an iron worm.  A great looking American rifle !

MEASURES - 50.5" overall length.

NOTE - American made Kentucky or Pennsylvania-style rifles with decorative silver inlays are very desirable.  These rifles were very popular during the American Civil War as sniper rifles.  After the Civil War, these rifles ended up going west and were used to hunt Buffalo.

ABOUT THE MAKER - "C. BAKER".  There are several reference books that list the last name BAKER as a gun makers in New York state.

There is also a Charles BAKER listed in Great Britain, circa. 1850's that is known to have made locks and then supplied those locks to gun makers to assemble finished guns.

TTI-580023